Daryl Devore’s newest, Two Truths and a Lie, won’t disappoint!

New! Two Truths and a Lie. 
From Daryl Devoré, so you know it’s going to be good. And HOT!

Two Truths and a Lie by Daryl Devore

 

Blurb and Buy Links –
From the author of the Two Hearts One Love Trilogy, multi-published, hot romance author Daryl Devoré’s latest book revolves around deceit, betrayal, passion and the theft of a multi-million-dollar, rare, red diamond.

As if multiple planes crashes, a car accident, and a concussion isn’t enough, carefree Byn and straight-laced billionaire, Mark clash over Byn’s need for independence and Mark’s struggle with guilt pushing him in the opposite direction of love. When an art forger, an art thief and a ninety-five-year-old woman get involved the chance for true love for Byn and Mark fades.

All is lost until a children’s game is their only hope.

Amazon

D2D – links to Kobo, Apple, Barnes&Noble etc.

Print Book link available soon.

Pinterest – Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie by Daryl DevoreExcerpt
“What are you doing there? Come here!”

I wheeled around. A short, rotund man in a tuxedo stood at the head of the hallway. He had an aristocratic annoyed look on his face.
There was little else I could do, so, I did the stammering bit again. “I… uh… I…”

“Come! Here!”

Perfect.

I stifled a smirk and let my bottom lip tremble, then I added a sniff and even managed a bit of tear, which I swiped at. I peeked up. He hadn’t moved but was beginning to turn a lovely shade of red. I took two stumbling steps toward him.

He stood taller, but it didn’t help. He still only came to my shoulder. “I expect you have a plausible reason for being in the hall. As you can see my guests are here in this room. There was no one in the hall.”

I was, you pompous idiot.

I dipped in a small curtsey, just playing up to his pompousness. “Mr. Chapman told me to take a drink to the office.”

“My office?”

I, simultaneously, shrugged and nodded. And for effect, I sniffed.

Like I know who the hell you are. You short, little twit.

“Why would he send you to deliver a drink that I didn’t order?”

I repeated my shrug. Alfred Lord Tennyson said it best in the Charge of the Light Brigade―Ours is not to reason why. Hmm, I’m get all British-y.

Mr. Chapman appeared at my side.

Thank heaven for little miracles.

“Ah, Lord Middleton. I was looking for you. There… seems to be a bit of a… problem in your office.”

The pompous idiot, also known as Lord Middleton, brushed past me, entered his office, disappeared for―at most―three Mississippis then burst out of the room. He placed himself toe to toe with me.

Because eyeball to eyeball wasn’t possible. I stifled a snicker.

His brow darkened. “Where is the diamond?”

Innocent look pasted on face, reply ready. “What diamond?” Brilliantly played.

“The safe was closed when I left my office. You did this. You had no right to be in there.” He jerked his cell phone from an inside pocket. “I am calling the police.”

He played right into my plan. I reacted like an overly dramatic, silent movie star. I raised my hands in horror, which tossed the whiskey down the front of Lord Pompous Idiot. I dropped the tray. It couldn’t make a dramatic crash as the hallway was carpeted. Darn. Then I edged myself back against the wall and cowered like a frightened animal.

The next few minutes were hysterical chaos as both men snapped questions at me. I dug deep and pulled up some tears and let them stream down my cheeks as I repeatedly mumbled, “I didn’t do anything. I didn’t take anything.”

But there was a fabulous Hallmark flash. A man stepped into the hallway, curiosity etched on his face. It was him―Lover Boy. He was tall, dark-haired, and scruffy or unshaven if you prefer. His tuxedo fit him like a second skin. There was no rotundness like Lord Idiot or knock-off anything like Mr. Chapman. The man was pure sophistication. Out of the hundred or so guests, he was the only one who had smiled at me when he requested a drink. That made him human and not an arrogant robotron. And that made him sexy.

Two Truths and a Lie by Daryl Devore

 

Meet the author of Two Truths and A Lie – Daryl Devoré
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: Let’s start with I’m female. My name – Daryl – is both a male and a female name. If it is pronounced rhyming with Karl – then it is the female version. The male version rhymes with Carol.

I live in Eastern Ontario, Canada in a 175 yr old farm house.

I write under two pens names – Daryl Devoré writes hot romance and Victoria Adams writes sweet romance. Although, I am about to fade out Victoria and meld her into Devoré. Having 2 pens names is tiring.
Just an add on – Daryl is my real first name. When I was trying to pick a pen name, the writer’s group I belong too said – keep your first name.

Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: I’m a belly dancer and a yoga addict. I study Raks Sharqi belly dance which is the more traditional type. A belly dancer is not a stripper and they did not dance to seduce the sultans – that’s Hollywood. Anybody can learn Rak Sharqi. It’s a fabulous activity.

Yoga – the studio where I practise has so many classes that it would probably be better if I just moved in. I love Warm Yin and Wall Yoga. I’ve tried all sorts of different classes from Hatha to Power Yoga. I love the way I feel when I leave class- open to the world, my heart is lighter, my mood is brighter. Yoga is my drug.

Q: If you could go back, is there any aspect of your novel you would change?
A: No – the book is the book. It’s done. The story is written and that is that. A person could go back and fix something to death. There will always be someone who disagrees with something in the books or wonders why they character didn’t react a certain way, but you can’t fix the book for them. What about all the people who thought the book was fine? If I were to change parts then those people might not be happy.

So I circle back to the beginning – would I change anything – no – the book is the book.

Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming books?
A: I just finished medieval fantasy that has been sitting on my hard drive for a couple of years. There are dragons and a prince and a woman with a dark secret.

Q: Is anything in your books ever based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
A: That depends on which pen name I am using.

Daryl Devoré – purely imagination. I’ve written a few billionaire stories – sadly, I don’t know any billionaires. From my medieval fantasy romance – happily, I don’t know any dragons. But having one as a pet might be kinda cool.

Victoria Adams generally writes contemporary stories – although I’m in the middle of a time travel one. The characters in those books are composites of people I know and the places are based on locations I have lived or visited. The prep school in Dancing in Circles is based on my high school and the main character is adapted from the guy who sat in front of me in English class.

Q: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
A: Don’t get bogged down by the rules of writing. People will pontificate on the silliest things. Like – you should never use the word “as” in a book. It marks you as a weak writer. PTHTHTHTH – I say to them. If the greats authors of old used the word “as” then you can to. And no, you aren’t Jane Austin or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but at one point – neither were they.

I have a motto – Picasso wasn’t always Picasso. At one point, he was just a guy name Pablo painting weird pictures.

So, go write your book.

Q: Is there anything special that you would like to say to your readers?
A: If you read a book, pul-l-l-lease leave a review. It doesn’t have to be a 10-page review. This isn’t an English assignment. Let me give you a few examples
A – I liked the book. It was great.
B – I fell in love with the characters in this book.
C – This book grabbed me by the heartstrings.
D – I couldn’t put it down. Read it all in one night.
Or…my personal favourite
E – Daryl Devoré is the most fabulous writer ever and this is the bestest most romantic book that has ever been written and you should buy because it is so absolutely glorious.

Bio and Social Media Links –
Two writers in one. Daryl Devoré writes hot romances with sexy heroes and strong heroines. Victoria Adams is Daryl’s alter ego when she’s inspired to write sweet romances with little to no heat.

Daryl (@daryldevore) lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, two black cats – Licorice and Ginny-Furr Purrkins – and some house ghosts. Her daughter is grown and has flown the nest. Daryl loves to take long walks on her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.

Blog – Romance – Sweet to Heat
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Charity Sunday: The Salvation Army

Charity SundayHow Charity Sunday works: for every comment made on this blog post, I will donate money to the charity named.

Hello! The charity I want to focus on this month is the Salvation Army. We all see their kettles and bell ringers at Christmas or shop in their thrift stores, but maybe we don’t think about what the group does throughout the year. Even in this time of the corona virus, the Salvation Army is striving to provide food, comfort and help to those in need and in a safety conscious way. They do good work.

Salvation ArmyHowever, my reason for wanting to celebrate the Salvation Army is that my mom often told me that when she was small, she probably never would have had a doll if not for the one she received at Christmas from her local Salvation Army. My grandmother worked two jobs—hard jobs, like scrubbing the floors on her hands and knees in the local school and factory work—and still found time to sew all of the clothes for twin girls she was raising alone. There was no money for things little girls longed for, like dolls. In that way, the Salvation Army fed my mom’s heart and soul, if not her tummy. I salute the work they do now, during the fight against Covid-19, and every day.

Please leave a comment on this site–any comment–and I will donate an amount to the Salvation Army. Thank you!

Sometimes the work charities do seems like magic, so today I’d like to feature a bit of magic from my book Your Desire.

Blurb:

Your Desire by Dee S. KnightYour Desire. A mysterious shop appears in town for one reason: to bring the spice of passion and the thrill of love to one special person. Magic is in more than the item purchased—it’s in the heart of the buyer, often hidden, usually surprising. And after enchantment takes hold ad the fantasy is fulfilled? The store fades from sight and memory, only to reappear somewhere else. Maybe in your town…?

The Artist and the Director
Derica Meadows, the conservative Director of Accounting at a large San Francisco firm, sees the most beautiful dress imaginable in a shop window. So different from her usual genderless pant suits, she’s swept into acquiring the gown for a formal business affair the next night. But a funny thing happens on the way to her party, in the form of a compelling man and a photo shoot. Suddenly, the normally logical Derica finds herself swimming in a sea of romance and sexual freedom she’d never before considered. The hunk of an artist can satisfy her fantasies, but what will happen to her climb up the corporate ladder in the process? And to her heart?

Awards Night
Allison Hayes has always tried to be all things to all people. Need anything done? Call Allison. It seems no one considers that Allison might have needs, too. When she goes home one night to find a man had crashed his car in her pasture, she resigns herself to helping out yet again. However, it isn’t long before she finds the roles reversed, as the mysterious man fulfills her deepest desires. By morning, Allison knows that in being the Good Samaritan this time, she gained more than she gave. The question is, was it passion for one night or a lifetime of love?

Buy link:

Amazon KU

Excerpt:

The whir of a sewing machine traveled across the ether. As intended, the sound blended with the those of a lawn mower in Cleveland, a blender in Dallas, an electric razor in Seattle. Some people, those specially attuned to properties outside the normal realm of humans, heard buzzing that could have been a sewing machine, but it was faint and truly indistinguishable for what it was. More like a mosquito at the ear. They heard it but couldn’t decipher exactly where to swat, so they did their best ignore it.

Of course, the sound was not supposed to be heard, and therefore not investigated. The very few who did hear it clearly, who also heard Nigel and his granddaughter clearly, well, they generally resided in a hospital setting where three squares a day were provided and tranquility came in the form of little green pills. At the least, they saw a shrink three times a week. Their knowledge wasn’t taken seriously.

This worried Nigel, but what could he do? It wasn’t his fault humans had devolved to the point where they no longer believed in enchantment. He shook his head and tsked as he sewed. When he was a boy learning the business from his grandfather as his granddaughter now learned from him, no one would have believed the universe could get to this point, where people believed in the “magic” of technology but not the magic that could be found in their own hearts.

Of course, challenges were exciting, and skeptical humans certainly kept him on his toes.

Absently, he hummed as he completed the final seam on the full, purple satin skirt. He pulled it from the machine, snipped the threads and shook the material out before pinning it on the dress form.

“Edwina! I have the skirt finished. Come here, dear.” Standing back to cast a critical eye over how the skirt hung, he held up an artist’s rendition of what the final product should be. He looked from drawing to garment, made a few small adjustments to the pleating around the waist and nodded in satisfaction.

“Hey, Gramps,” his granddaughter said, bounding into the room.

For the millionth time, he mentally cringed at the lack of style in today’s youth. Their kind had the ability to appear any way they wished. Glancing in the mirror, he saw a debonair David Niven reflected back. The sleeves of his snowy white shirt were rolled to his elbows, but the Windsor knot in his tie was perfect, as was the knife-sharp crease in his trousers and the shine on his shoes. When he rolled down his sleeves and put on his jacket, he would look every inch the gentleman. Quirking his brows in approval, he unconsciously ran a fingertip lightly over his moustache. Instead of selecting what he would consider an appropriate shell, Edwina—a name which screamed propriety—chose to look like a bag lady gone wild.

Like today, for instance. Long blond hair, streaked with pink and purple, pulled up into a ponytail to hang down the side of her head. Black lipstick and eye shadow. Two earrings in one ear and four in the other. A bright orange tank top and faded jeans—separated scandalously by a good three inches of bare stomach—looked as though they’d been worn (and torn) for centuries. And her feet—her lovely, dainty feet!—were shod in horrid, ugly brown things that not even the most desperate soldier in Caesar’s army would have donned.

When he had questioned her once about her appearance, she’d said with delight that she was starting her own trend. A Lauper-Madonna-Pink look. It was not something he’d understood. Today, after a quick perusal, he leaned closer.

“What is that?” He swiped his thumb across her cheek, then examined what was on the pad.

“Body glitter. Isn’t it cool?” She grinned at him.

Her enthusiasm, as well as her utter lack of self-consciousness, brought the slightest of smiles to his eyes, even as his mouth formed a moue of reproach.

“Yes, well.” He wiped his thumb on a handkerchief pulled from the pocket of his jacket, hanging on the wall behind Edwina. “‘Cool’ is what ice cubes provide. I don’t know what body glitter is good for.”

Giggles flowed from her, reminding him of when she was a small girl instead of the nearly grown youngster she was now. Where had the centuries gone? Despite the shudders her wardrobe caused, he loved Edwina enormously and strove to give her the very best education in what they did, which was make dreams come true.

Dee’s bio:

A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex. Writing was so much fun Dee decided to keep at it. That’s how she spends her days. Her nights? Well, she’s lucky that her dream man, childhood sweetheart, and long-time hubby are all the same guy, and nights are their secret. For romance ranging from sweet to historical, contemporary to paranormal and more join Dee on Nomad Authors.

Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Reading this book is no Deadly Gamble! Lorelei Confer

Welcome, Lorelei and Deadly Gamble!

Deadly Gamble by Lorelei Confer

Deadly Gamble by Lorelei Confer

Blurb:

Investigative attorney, Dalton Emberling, hired to find the best friend of a sexy, rival attorney, Elyse Young, uncovers a sinister plot of human trafficking….thrusting them into danger they can only survive as allies.

After they receive resistance from the local police department, suspicions grow.

Will their new relationship, built on trust, be enough or will the evil they face consume them? Will they thrive or die?

Buy links:

Available now on preorder exclusive to Amazon for $.99 in KU and $9.99 in paperback. Release date: April 7.

Amazon KU

**Special Notice!**
Come and join the release party on Facebook, April 7! Have fun, meet some new authors and find new books–including more about Deadly Gamble and the rest of the series!

Meet Lorelei:

NA: How did you come up with the idea for your book?
LC: The first book in the Deadly series, Deadly Deception, came to me in a dream, where I was being chased. We’ve all had those, but in this dream I was held prisoner, slapped, and told I was being sold to “Boss” who like girls with big jugs. As soon as the dream woke me up, I wrote everything down that I could remember and still wasn’t aware of what it all meant.

This was in 2006 before Human Sex Trafficking was in the news every single day. A week or so later there was an article in my local paper detailing a sting the local Task Force for Human Trafficking had implemented at a large house they had surveilled for some time. They’d had numerous arrests and saved the lives of a number of young women who had been held captive. It was like a brothel, but the women never left, just a continuous string of men going in and coming out. The article also stated if for any questions or tips, etc. contact James McBride, Detective on the Task Force. So, I contacted him.

NA: What sort of research did you do to write this book?
LC: I met with the Detective on the local Task Force of Human Trafficking and told him the scenario of my book, he agreed with every point I made; this was real and could actually happen. He answered every question I asked and invited me to the monthly meeting of the Task Force which was comprised of numerous officers from local municipalities, county, and state, and explained how they all worked together.

I also did a lot of research online at the Human Trafficking website. I learned what to look for if someone is being held against their will, what to do, how not to be trafficked, and most importantly how to always be aware of your surroundings; the who, what, why, and when someone is in your personal space. I also read countless stories from victims, that most are never reported. I learned so much I couldn’t include in just one book; hence the series began.

I felt the need to put a message in every book I wrote, that if I could only help one person, it would be worth my time and effort. I’m constantly learning about new tactics the traffickers are using, and what the communities and out country are doing to protect possible victims.

In Deadly Homecoming, I introduced Truckers Against Traffickers. Yes, it’s a real organization. Many large trucking companies have their drivers trained to be on the lookout for possible victims or suspicious activities. They’ve saved many lives already.

NA: What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book? LC: The message to always be aware; aware of strangers (men and women) who want to be your friend and really get to know them, don’t take them at their word; be aware of parking lots without security, be aware of vehicles parked around your car when you’re ready to get in it at the end of the day, be aware of what’s on your windshield and do not get out of your car to investigate on your own, instead call the police, and know how to defend yourself should someone attempt to abduct you.

NA: Do you have a day job? What was your job before you started writing full time?
LC: I spent 30 years in the financial arena as Controller/CFO of primarily manufacturing companies as well as private accounting. I retired in 2005, but I’ve journaled every day for most of my life.

NA: What started you on the path to writing?
LC: Journaling; it was a way to get the “angst” out.

NA: What do your friends and family think about your being a writer?
LC: They love it and my books and just like so many of my readers, they want to know when the next book is coming out. lol

NA: Do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?
LC: I’m a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer but about halfway through I make a list to check off that I want to make sure I included. Things I thought about after the scene was written, etc.

NA: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author? LC: Talking to my readers who tell me they loved my books and want more.

NA: Do you have quirky writing habits?
LC: I write better in the middle of the night. If I can’t sleep and my mind is overloaded with scenes or personal issues, I get up and start writing. For some reason it’s so much easier to focus on someone else’s problems than my own. lol

NA: Which kind of scenes are the hardest for you to write? Action, dialogue, sex?
LC: Action for sure. I have to actually go through the scene many times and make sure I have enough reaction to an action.

NA: Why did you choose the shirt you have on?
LC: Sorry, still in my nightgown and it was on top when I opened my drawer.

NA: First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?
LC: No alarm just wake up, usually with a list of things running around in my head. One, what to make for dinner, is prominent.

NA: What errand/chore do you despise the most? Housework, cleaning, etc. LC: Fortunately, my husband loves to do laundry, wash pots and pans, and he even cleans windows. And enjoys it.

NA: What are you working on now?
LC: I have five releases this year. Two in the Deadly series, two in the Saddle Creek series and A Cowboy’s Sweet Spot in the anthology, Romances on the Range. The Saddle Creek series is a great series and I enjoy writing about cowboys and Jackson Hole, WY. So far, I have 4 books out, working on the Sheriff’s story, who is in every book so far as well as another Christmas book.

NA: What’s your most favorite and least favorite to do of the writing process?
LC: The writing and initial idea/plotting process if my absolute favorite. Once I have that all down I feel like I’m done, but then there is all the promo (my least favorite) that is continual, every single day. I just want to write.

Author Bio:
Lorelei ConferLorelei Confer lives on a peninsula in the mid-west coast of Florida with her high school sweetheart, now husband, and AJ, her longhaired Chihuahua.

In the fourth grade, she wrote her first story—something about getting a shot at the doctors—that was produced by the teacher for parents and students in an assembly. When she was older, she spilled her guts in a journal every night and wrote long newsy love letters to Viet Nam.

She is a multi-published author of romantic suspense with two series: The Deadly series and the Saddle Creek series. She also has written numerous novellas and short stories.

She loves to hear from her readers so if you want to stay “in the know” visit her website, sign up for her newsletters and contact her.

Connect with Lorelei:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Newsletter
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Driving through fly-over country #MFRWauthor

Trucking--fun and clothedI suppose if you knew that I’d been a long-distance trucker it wouldn’t surprise you to know that I’d rather drive then fly whenever I can. Flying used to be fun—back when there were fewer travelers, when I was in college and could still dash from one gate to another, and when a size 10 still fit the seats. Need I say that none of those things work for me anymore?

Driving, on the other hand, means you can pretty much adjust the seat the way you want. You can make it hotter or cooler. You can take potty breaks without having to wait for hundreds of other people to finish first. Sure, you have to buy snacks and Cokes, but at least you can get snacks. If you’re driving somewhere, you can throw your jacket in the backseat, bring as much luggage as the trunk will hold without being charged, and actually get to see the countryside inside of the tops of clouds. Ever listened to Neil Diamond’s America with headphones on a plane? Compare that to turning up the volume and singing along at the top of your lungs while dancing in the seat. The beat goes so well with the thumps in the road. Sigh. There’s no comparison.

To me, there’s something very relaxing about driving. Of course, it’s easier Flightto be relaxed in the west of the U.S. than in the crowded east, but even there I just like having some control over my life with my hands on the wheel. I try not to let people push me. I find a comfortable speed and hang in there. If someone wants to go faster, there’s usually a way to pass. Mores the pity, though, because I’m watching the signs, wondering where the people in all the cars are going, and who lives in that pretty blue house on the right side of the road. Life is good. Oh yeah, and I might spend a passing moment following the contrails of a jet overhead.

Which do you prefer, driving or flying?

Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Warm Up Your Nights with Alpha Revealed, a #SteamyParanormalRomance by Brenda Sparks

Alpha Revealed

Alpha Revealed by Brenda Sparks

Vlad is a man of many secrets. Natasha has a little secret of her own.
But secrets have a way of coming out…and
sometimes that is for the best.

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Brenda Sparks

**Special Note!**
Alpha Revealed is the 5th book in my Alpha Council series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. But for those who enjoy reading a series from start to finish, my publisher put the other books in the series on sale until March 27 for only $0.99 each. That means the entire series (all 5 novels) can be purchased for less than $9.00.

Book Blurb:
Natasha Peterhoff is the luckiest vampire in the world. Having pined over the sexy, but aloof Vladimir Starikovich for centuries, her feelings are reciprocated when the pair are drawn to each other the night of her brother’s wedding. Unfortunately, the stark light of day dawns, and the couple parts ways.

Back in Siberia, Vlad is overcome by doubts. Not only will Natasha’s brother kill him, but his own past is reason enough to keep her away. He vows to do everything in his power to keep her safe, even it if means never seeing her again.

With so many reasons to stay apart, will the ties that bind be strong enough to pull them together?

Buy Links:
Amazon
iBooks
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Books-A-Million
BookBub
Goodreads

Alpha Revealed by Brenda Sparks

Book Excerpt:
She lifted one arm in his direction. He raised a hand to still her movement. “Don’t…touch me.”

Well, damned if that didn’t smart. He didn’t want her to touch him, even to offer him a little comfort. My, how things changed. He certainly hadn’t minded her touch the night of her brother’s wedding.

Fine. If he doesn’t want me touching him, so be it.

Natasha turned around, sending her harlequin colored pigtails twirling about her face and retrieved the bag of blood from the floor. Without looking in his direction, she stalked through the room and sat in the only padded chair. She punctured the bag with her fangs and drank, glaring at him over the top of the bag.

The blood seeped into her cells, nourishing both her and the baby. The baby moved as she continued to down the bag quickly. Her hunger pangs eased a little with each gulp of the life-sustaining liquid.

Vlad slowly straightened to his full height. The expression on his face, a cross between disdain and pain, softened her eyes. With an awkward gait, he gingerly moved in her direction.

“We need to talk,” he barked, his voice still rough with pain.

She just bet they did. No doubt, Vlad would tell her to leave. It was there on his face. He obviously didn’t want her in his home, and she didn’t blame him.

She had run out after they made love, avoided him for months, and now she had injured his manhood. If the tables were reversed, she probably wouldn’t want him around either.

Alpha Revealed by Brenda Sparks

Author Bio:
Born in Virginia, Brenda Sparks now resides in the Sunshine State. Balancing her professional commitment to the local school district with her writing is challenging at times, but writing suspenseful paranormal romance is a passion that won’t be denied. Her idea of a perfect day is one spent in front of a computer with a hot cup of coffee, her fingers flying over the keys to send her characters off on their latest adventure. Brenda loves to connect with readers. Please visit her online or stop by her website to say hi.

Author Links:
Website
Bookbub
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter Handle @brenda_sparks
Goodreads
Facebook Author Page
Pinterest
Amazon
Blog

Alpha Revealed by Brenda Sparks

What’s in a dress? #MFRWHooks

This is a blog hop. Be sure to check the link at the bottom to see posts from other authors!

Blurb:
Your Desire by Dee S. KnightYour Desire. A mysterious shop appears in town for one reason: to bring the spice of passion and the thrill of love to one special person. Magic is in more than the item purchased—it’s in the heart of the buyer, often hidden, usually surprising. And after enchantment takes hold ad the fantasy is fulfilled? The store fades from sight and memory, only to reappear somewhere else. Maybe in your town…?

The Artist and the Director
Derica Meadows, the conservative Director of Accounting at a large San Francisco firm, sees the most beautiful dress imaginable in a shop window. So different from her usual genderless pant suits, she’s swept into acquiring the gown for a formal business affair the next night. But a funny thing happens on the way to her party, in the form of a compelling man and a photo shoot. Suddenly, the normally logical Derica finds herself swimming in a sea of romance and sexual freedom she’d never before considered. The hunk of an artist can satisfy her fantasies, but what will happen to her climb up the corporate ladder in the process? And to her heart?

Buy link:
Amazon KU

MFRW Book HooksExcerpt:
Your Desire. The name was painted on the door in simple block print. She pulled the handle and stepped into the cramped store, where she came face to face with an older, prim man in a well-worn suit. Gray touched his temples but not his thin moustache. His dark brown eyes warmed her to her core, and she felt immediate trust in him.

The shop didn’t inspire such trust, however. It was on the shabby side of shabby-chic, and like the man’s suit, had seen better days. That explained why she hadn’t noticed the place before—it wasn’t the sort of establishment in which she usually shopped.

“May I help you?” the man asked.

She turned toward the window display. What the hell! The effect remained the same. The satin seemed to change shades of purple depending on her position. One way she noticed the beads, another she saw the pearls. Now she saw barely visible lines of sequins between folds of the skirt. Although there was no breeze, the skirt seemed to shift, and tiny shards of light shot from the sequins otherwise hidden in the yards of material.

“Yes, that dress in the window, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It is unique, part of our special collection.” He sounded proud. “May we make one like it for you?”

“Make one?” She stepped forward and reached out. The touch of her fingers caused swirls of violet to run through the fabric from waist to hem, and she gasped as she jerked her hand away. “No, I need the dress for tomorrow night.” Curious, she faced the man. “I can’t believe you made this. It’s wonderful!”

He closed his eyes and graciously nodded his acknowledgement.

The mannequin in the window drew her attention again. She’d never owned anything so soft and feminine. Suddenly her black pantsuits seemed totally unsuitable for the office party, dull and lifeless, even when she imagined them paired with a bright scarf or lacy camisole.

“How much for this dress?” Damn! She’d failed to keep intense interest from her voice. If she were the salesperson, she’d immediately jack up the price.

“Oh, you don’t want that. It’s only for display and very old. I can’t guarantee your satisfaction.”

Slowly Derica turned to the man, her mind turning over possibilities of why he wouldn’t want to take advantage of a sale. Did he think to haggle and increase the price, now that she’d shown her excitement? Well, if that was his game, she could play, too.

“Perhaps you’re right. I have a formal affair tomorrow night. Do you have anything else?” Casting a glance at the drab interior, she carefully kept her expression neutral. “I’m a size eight,” she offered, seeing him give her an appraising look.

He nodded. “That’s exactly what I would have said. If you’ll follow me, I think we have just what you’re looking for.”

They walked to the back of the store and through a curtained doorway. There she found a softly lighted alcove with two stuffed chairs on either side of a dark-stained piecrust table. A cup of steaming tea and a plate of shortbread were on a tray. She examined the room in amazement, not having expected a showroom. In fact, she’d barely expected curtains on the dressing rooms, based on the appearance of the shop.

“Just make yourself comfortable, and we’ll see what we have, shall we?” He waved her into one of the chairs then turned toward another, smaller doorway to her side. “Edwina, we’re ready.”

A young woman dramatically swept aside the material covering the entryway and emerged wearing a pink chiffon formal with a fitted bodice and long sleeves. What caught Derica’s attention however, was the woman’s shape. She could have been Derica’s body double with her long legs, narrow, rounded hips, and tiny waist. The woman’s breasts would have nicely filled out Derica’s own B-cup bra. The difference came in her beautiful violet eyes and heart shaped, Kewpie doll lips, painted bright red.
And also in her short spiked hair that was a most interesting shade of yellow. Derica was so taken with their similarities in shape, it didn’t occur to her to wonder why the woman was poised and ready to model formal gowns.

“This is my granddaughter, Edwina.” The man beamed at Edwina then turned his warm smile on Derica. “And I’m Nigel Brown.”

“I’m Derica Meadows. That’s a lovely gown, Mr. Brown,” she said, as the woman twirled to show off the flow of the skirt. “But it looks like something for a prom.”

His smile fell ever so slightly. “Oh, dear. Well, Edwina…” He shooed her behind the curtain.

After what felt like only seconds, Edwina came out again, wearing a lime green skirt and white ruffled blouse.

“No, that’s not right at all. I need something for a company dinner, and I want a gown that will knock everyone back on their heels.”

She’d barely taken a sip of tea before Edwina left and came back, this time in a sleek black sheath that displayed too much leg on one end and far too much cleavage on the other. Derica cringed then smiled, thinking of the reactions of The Wives if she wore this dress to the party. But a sexy little number wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted mystery underlying a thoroughly feminine sophistication.

She wanted the dress in the window.

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Awards and affirmation: BVS’s talented authors

AwardWhat’s in an Award? Maybe just what you need to keep going.

If you’ve spent much time reading Black Velvet Seductions authors, you know you’re delving into some pretty good stuff. I’m not saying that because I’m one of their authors, though it’s always special when you feel you’re among really good company. And that’s how I’ve felt ever since Richard Savage accepted my first BVS book, Naval Maneuvers. The company is a class act all the way, and their writers prove that with each new release. I’d like to highlight two friends at BVS who recently won awards for their books. If you haven’t read either of these ladies, you really should.

Jan Selbourne

Jan writes historical fiction, some very romantic and some more plot driven then romance driven. Either way, this woman has a way with words that will draw you in and make you stay up late reading. Jan won 5 stars and recognition for two of her books last year at Coffee Pot Book Club. One of those books, Lies of Gold, won Silver for historical book of 2019! Although Lies of Gold isn’t a BVS book, one of Jan’s very best books, I think, is: Perilous Love. It’s one of my favorites! But really, with Jan, you can’t go wrong!

Book: Lies of Gold
Silver medal for Historical Book of the Year, 2019
Awarded by: The Coffee Pot Book Club
Date of award: December 3rd, 2019

Here’s what Jan has to say about winning her award.

NA: What was your first reaction when you saw that you’d finaled in a Lies of Gold by Jan Selbournecontest and then won?
JS: I did receive a senior school prize for best short story, but I think mum and dad were more excited than I was. Fast forward to now – or should I say 2019, when my book The Proposition was given a wonderful review and 5 Stars Award by Mary Anne Yarde, Coffee Pot Book Club. Encouraged, I submitted Lies of Gold to Mary Anne and was thrilled to receive a glowing review and 5 Stars Award. I thought that was it until her email in November informing me Lies of Gold was a finalist in the 2019 Book of the Year – Historical Romance category. We would be informed of the results in early December. My first reaction? Stunned. When that email appeared in my Inbox I was too nervous to look. Closed my eyes, deep breath, hit the mouse, opened my eyes to read the words Silver Medal. Lies of Gold had been awarded Silver Medal! I was speechless – and that doesn’t happen often.

NA: How did your family/friends react?
JS: They were really pleased and like me, surprised – wow.

NA: What was the result of your winning the award (i.e., did you make any changes in the way you wrote or what you wrote; did you try to emulate the winning book/story instead of trying new things, etc.)?
JS: The result was a real shot in the arm for me. Promoting and marketing can be tough. However this award convinced me I must be doing something right. Don’t stop writing!

Alice Renaud

If you enjoy fantasy and magic mixed amongst your romance, you should definitely read Alice Renaud’s Sea of Love series. Her writing is so engaging, and she can paint a picture with words that few others can. Her third book in the series is coming out this year from BVS and I’m saving a place on my Kindle for it! Either of the two current books in the series (A Merman’s Choice and Music for a Merman) can stand alone, so dig in with the first or the second. Alice won the award for the series—quite an accomplishment!

Sea of Love series by Alice RenaudSeries: Sea of Love
Best Paranormal Series, 2019
Awarded by: The Paranormal Romance Guild
Date of award: January 2020

Here’s Alice’s reaction to her winning.

NA: What was your first reaction when you saw that you’d finaled in a contest and then won?
AR: Incredulity – I never thought my first book A Merman’s Choice and the series it’s part of, Sea of Love, would be nominated – let alone win!

NA: How did your family/friends react?
AR: My husband was very proud. My friends were impressed – I think they began to realize this writing lark could be a serious thing for me.

NA: What was the result of your winning the award (i.e., did you make any changes in the way you wrote or what you wrote; did you try to emulate the winning book/story instead of trying new things, etc.)?
AR: Mainly it motivated me to keep on writing – I was beginning to get discouraged because I wasn’t selling many books and thought maybe the books weren’t any good and perhaps I should just give up. It proved my writing was good. I started a new series, Conjuring Love, which is different in content and style from the Sea of Love series.

I guess I’ll slide in here, too. Last year my book, Only a Good Man Will Do, won a prize from the Las Vegas Romance Writers. It thrilled me to death, and I’m very grateful for their recognition. I’ve won a few contests before, including the Maggie Award of Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers and it’s always an exciting surprise. But I had taken a few years off from writing, and this was just my second book since trying to come back. Maybe that’s why it was so thrilling. Whatever, the reason, thanks to the LVRW for giving me this honor!

Only a Good Man Will Do by Dee S. KnightBook: Only a Good Man Will Do (Book 1 of the Good Man series)
I Heart Indie, Best Erotic Romance of 2019
Awarded by: Las Vegas Romance Writers
Date of award: September 1, 2019

Here’s what I thought.

NA: What was your first reaction when you saw that you’d finaled in a contest and then won?
DSK: I was shocked. And then I jumped up and down and texted my husband right away.

NA: How did your family/friends react?
DSK: Jack was as happy for me as I was for myself. He knew how hard it had been for me to get back into writing. In his own way he’d nudged and cajoled, so I think he’s taken credit for the award. 😉

NA: What was the result of your winning the award (i.e., did you make any changes in the way you wrote or what you wrote; did you try to emulate the winning book/story instead of trying new things, etc.)?
DSK: As Alice said, we’re our own worst enemies. When there is not a lot of recognition—especially sales and lots of followers and such—it’s easy to feel you don’t deserve to be recognized because you aren’t good enough. It’s easier now to cut myself a little slack and admit that maybe I am good at what I try to do.

That’s the main point I want to end with. There are others at BVS who have won awards with their work (but were to shy to say so here). Some writers there maybe haven’t won an award award, but they’ve received recognition for their writing in other ways, through great sales or love notes from their fans and such. An award doesn’t matter that much in the long run. It’s the love of the readers and the joy of being able to do what we love. Those are awards enough.

Check out some wonderful writers at BVS and see how great reading can be.

The monsters are real! Meet Augustina Van Hoven

Monsters and vampires and things that go bump in the night! Welcome Augustina Van Hoven and The Hidden!

The Hidden by Augustina Van Hoven

For most of her life, Lily Montgomery had thought the creatures that inhabited her dreams lived on only in the pages of the horror novels she wrote. Until she was kidnapped by a vampire and forced to go on the run from werewolves and other shapeshifters. And from her emotions. For, against all reason, her heart was also at risk of being captured by the vampire.

Valerian DuCharme had been turned into a vampire against his will. But in the turning, he did not lose his charisma or his caring. Now the enforcer for one of the princely houses of the Community, he tried to ensure the safety of anyone who came within range. And of many who didn’t. But it was all reflex, until he met Lily. And emotions he hadn’t felt for hundreds of years surfaced.

Buy links:

Amazon
Apple
Barnes & Noble
KOBO

Meet Augustina:

Augustina Van Hoven Augustina Van Hoven was born in The Netherlands and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, dog and two cats. She is an avid reader of romance, science fiction and fantasy. When she’s not writing she likes to work in her garden or in the winter months crochet and knit on her knitting machines.

 

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Look, Mom! I won! #MFRWauthor

Lottery!Ah! Winning the lottery Who doesn’t dream of this happening? I’ve dreamed of it so often, for years I considered it my Retirement Plan. No. Really.

But then again, I’m already retired and have I won the lottery? Heck no. Good thing I kept my day job.

Still, it’s fun to play “What if…?” I know a few things I would do, for sure.

  • Take the money in a lump sum. None of this doling out the funds year by year. No one knows how much time they have left, and if I get called to heaven sooner than I think I will, I want to have enjoyed every single cent I can before I go.
  • Pay off all my debts. Not that there are all that many, but I’d like not to have to worry about owing anyone. That way I can lay on that beach with nothing niggling at the back of my mind. “Did I pay the mortgage this month?” “Do I have anything left on the student loan?” “Have I paid the pool boy his monthly stipend?” Nope. Don’t want any of that on my mind.
  • Gift those I love and who have loved me all these years. I’d give my mom and aunt anything their little heart’s desire. Ditto for my wonderful in-laws. And my friends—I have a few who could really use some help. One dear friend has a son with autism, and another has a brother in the same boat. I’d like for them not to have to worry about their loved one’s futures.
  • Donate to my favorite charities. Shriners Hospitals would get a big donation, as would several other places. If I have it, I want to share it.
  • Go back to Scotland. It’s one of the places I’d like to visit again and Piper in Scotlandshow it off to Jack. Scotland is one of my favorite places on earth.
  • Buy books. If I have anything left after all that, I’d buy as many books as I want.Yippee!

When we buy lottery tickets—which is not all that often—we buy only one. Don’t have particular numbers, don’t say a prayer beforehand or go through any special rituals. I figure if God wants me to win the lottery, one ticket will be enough, and it won’t matter which numbers I choose. If God doesn’t want me to win (and so far, not that I doubt His wisdom, but I do think it’s an oversight on His part), it won’t matter if I buy a thousand tickets or use the birth date of the Archangel Michael for the numbers. So far, God has seen fit to keep me humble…and poor. Oh well. Life is still good.

What would you do with lottery winnings?
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Read the next blog in the blog hop by going here.

Dee
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist: old letters put the lie to Sara’s life. Now, mending her past mistakes while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

One Woman Only
Only a Good Man Will Do
Naval Maneuvers

Burning Bridges #MFRWBookhooks

Burning Bridges by Anne KristI recently received a 5-star Recommended Read from Coffee Pot Book Club for Burning Bridges! I’m so excited and grateful!

Blurb:
Consider the role of strangers in our lives. An unknown postman in Virginia hides a bag of mail one day. His simple action set in motion untold consequences for many others—strangers—all over the country. How many bridges were burned in that forgotten mail pouch?

Sara Richards’s world is rocked when three love letters from 1970 are delivered decades late. The letters were written by Paul Steinert, a young sailor who took her innocence with whispered words of love and promises of forever before leaving for Vietnam. Sara is left behind, broken hearted and secretly pregnant, yearning for letters she never received.

Then Paul died.

Now, years later, she discovers the betrayal wasn’t Paul’s, when her mother confesses to a sin that changed their lives forever. How can Sara reveal to Paul’s parents that they have a granddaughter they’ve missed the chance to know? Even worse, how will she find the words to tell her daughter that she’s lived her life in the shadow of a lie?

Picking her way through the minefields of secrets, distrust, and betrayal, Sara finds that putting her life together again while crossing burning bridges will be the hardest thing she’s ever done.

Buy link: KU

MFRW Book HooksExcerpt:

Sara stared at the letters arranged before her in numerical order. The moment in time she and Paul shared was long ago, yet her dream had conjured his presence as though she’d just seen him. In her mind, his blue eyes darkened with passion before his lips captured hers, and he moaned his appreciation when their tongues met. She tasted his sweetness and knew the steel of his arms as he held her. How many nights had she put herself through hell reliving those memories? Too damn many.

After the concert, they’d met clandestinely on weekends, mostly at Sandbridge, where they could walk and talk undisturbed. With each meeting, stirrings built deep in Sara that pushed her to want more, but Paul insisted they restrain themselves because of her age.

Then the weekend before he shipped out, she’d planned a surprise and her life changed forever.

The kettle screeched, bringing her back to the present. Sara prepared a cup of tea and then picked up the envelope marked twenty-eight. At one time, she would have given her right arm to hold this letter. Now, curiosity and the desire for a brief escape drove her more than the passion of youth. Blind love had faded when she’d had no word to bolster her during the long weeks after the ship left.

First had come the waiting. No letters arrived, even though she wrote him daily. There were no phone calls, no notes, no anything, for days that dragged into weeks then crept into months.

Anticipation morphed into anxiety. She worried he was sick or hurt and unable to write.

One day she admitted that Paul must be afraid to write for some reason, and she feared what he would say if she did receive a letter. That their time together had been a mistake, that she was too young to be in love. That he really loved someone else and Sara had been only a stand-in while he was in Virginia. Perversely, she began to sigh with relief when she arrived home and found no word.

Now, knowing why she hadn’t received mail, what would she feel if she opened this letter and her old fears proved to be true?

“Nothing,” she murmured. “Paul’s dead. He can’t hurt me anymore.” At the very least, his letters might allow her to put his ghost to rest. For that reason alone, she had to read them.

She slid her thumb under the flap and ripped the envelope open. A single sheet held his hurried scrawl. 

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